The Maracanã (officially Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho) is Brazil's most iconic football ground and one of South America's largest, built for the 1950 World Cup with a capacity of roughly 78,000. It is famous for the 'Maracanazo' — Uruguay's shock 1950 win over Brazil — as well as hosting the 2014 World Cup final and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Rio Olympics, earning its reputation as football's temple. In 2026 it remains an active home for Rio clubs such as Flamengo and Fluminense, and on non-match days it opens for a stadium tour that leads visitors right down to the pitch. A proposed renaming in honor of Pelé has been debated, but it is still universally known as the Maracanã.
Stepping onto the (synthetic) pitch and looking up at the vast stands, just as the players do
Backstage areas rarely seen otherwise: dressing rooms, warm-up room, mixed zone and press-conference room
The historic collection (acervo) with memorabilia of legends like Pelé, Garrincha and Zico
Standing where history was made: the 1950 Maracanazo, the 2014 World Cup final and the 2016 Olympic ceremonies
The sheer scale of the sweeping circular stands and roofline
Good to know
SafetyThe stadium sits in Rio's North Zone (Zona Norte); avoid quiet streets and late hours, favor daytime metro trips, and keep your phone, camera and wallet close and out of sight.
CautionBuy tickets only via the official site (tourmaracana.com.br) or the Gate A box office. Street resellers and self-styled 'guides' are common sources of scams and overcharging.
RulesOn match or event days the tour is shortened (closing hours before gates open) or suspended. Always check the official schedule for the day of your visit before going.
MannersOn the pitch, follow your guide and stay within marked areas. Rio's rivalry culture (Flamengo, Fluminense and others) runs deep, so on match days avoid provocative behavior or wearing a specific club's colors.
SeasonRio's summer (Dec–Mar) is hot and humid, so bring a hat, water and sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes for the open, walking sections of the tour.
CautionTaxis that haggle without a meter near the station or stadium may overcharge; ride-hailing apps such as Uber or 99 are generally the safer, fairer option.
Practical info
Take Metro Line 2 (orange) to Maracanã station, about a 5-minute walk to Gates A/B/C, or use São Cristóvão station for Gates D/E/F; the SuperVia commuter train also serves the station. Tours generally run daily 09:00–17:00 (last entry around 16:00, roughly 50 minutes), with the Gate A box office open 08:30–16:30 for cash or card, but prices (2026: full around R$94, half around R$47) and hours change on match days, so confirm the latest details on the official site.
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